Desperate for a pass rush and carrying an open roster spot, the Patriots are likely going to promote linebacker Shawn Crable from the practice squad to the 54-man roster, according to multiple NFL sources. He will fill the roster left vacant by RB Kevin Faulk, who was lost for the season when he suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Crable, a third round pick in 2008, has never played a down in the NFL, spending most of his first two years on the injured reserve with various ailments. He was cut by the Pats at the end of the preseason before being re-signed to the practice squad days later.

Now, Crable can get his chance to show the Patriots why they spent a high pick on him in ’08. The Pats desperately need to develop a sustainable pass rush, and Crable could help Tully Banta-Cain in that role for the team. He gets a soft test this week with Buffalo coming to town, so perhaps he can keep his roster spot moving forward.

The Patriots need to find help where they can (even from the practice squad) as it will probably be a three-horse race in the AFC East all season long. Every game counts, including home games within the division, like Sunday’s matchup with the Bills. Call it a must-win if you want, but they really need this one.